COLLECTION AND PROCESS OF CRIME SCENE EVIDENCE BY UTILISING CHAIN OF CUSTODY

Shivi Forensics


Topic: COLLECTION AND PROCESS OF CRIME SCENE EVIDENCE BY UTILISING CHAIN OF CUSTODY 

Created By:
THOTLA MAHASRI
Volunteer, Shivi Forensics

INTRODUCTON
Crime Scene Investigation requires a careful analysis of evidence which will play a crucial role in the investigation and in the court and for the preservation of the authenticity of the evidence CHAIN OF CUSTODY is mandatory. The Chain of Custody has a meticulous detailing about each and every detail regarding the case from the barricading of the crime scene to the trail in the court, it will have every detail. Any evidence submitted in the court by breaking the chain of custody is not admissible in the court.

PRINCIPLE
Crime Scene Investigation requires careful examination to collect and keep a record of evidence. Upon discovery investigation of evidence must be properly collected and packaged for later Laboratory examination.
The Chain of Custody is the most critical process of evidence documentation. It is necessary to assure the court of law that the evidence is authentic that it is the same evidence seized from the crime scene.


CHAIN OF CUSTODY
The Chain of Custody is a legal term, which refers to the chronological sequence in which the items of evidence are to be overseen for the successful investigation of a case. It must be proved that the evidence is managed through the correct chain of custody and only then will the evidence be admissible in the court of law. The Chain of custody tells who has collected the evidence from the crime scene and transferred the evidence and where the evidence was stored. All the physical and digital and electronic devices are included here. Some common types of evidence includes:
1. Blood
2. DNA samples
3. Documents
4. Photographs
5. Videos
6. Internet history

CHAIN OF CUSTODY MUST BE MAINTAINED IN:
1. Criminal Investigation
2. Civil Litigation
3. Dope testing of athletes.
4. Clinical tests
5. Violence and Abuse cases
6. Fields of history and Art collection
7. Firearms injuries
8. Testing for food products
9. Seizure of prohibited substance
10. Seizure of money, gold ornaments, valuables by income tax.

COLLECTION OF EVIDENCE
• The Crime scene was located and barricaded using barricade tape.
• Put on safety measures followed in a crime scene investigation.
• Place the Photo-macro-graphic scale next to the evidence.
• Use camera to take the photography of it, photographs is taken on different angles for analysis.
• Using the gloved hand, collect the evidence and pack it properly.
• Seal the top of the evidence bag properly.
• Using permanent markers to write the initials, case number, the data and item number.

PACKAGING OF EVIDENCE
• Using the marker to complete the top of custody form with the case number, offense, victim, suspect, data, time and location.
• In the description of evidence, mention the item number and description of the item collected.
• Complete the chain of custody section using the information from the scene of crime.
• Once it records and reaches the laboratory, using marker add the initials of any person that opens the evidence bags.
• Use of camera to take pictures of the evidence bag with the initials on the evidence tape visible.

CONCLUSION
Once the Investigation is over, the evidence are provided before the court of law along with the chain of custody. Through the cross check of the evidence provided with the chain of custody, the Trial begins. If in case any evidence is submitted to the court of law by breaking the chain of custody, then the evidence is no longer admissible in the court even if it is a very crucial evidence. It is because of the authenticity of the Evidence. Chain of custody is maintained mainly to prove the authenticity of the evidence.

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